These
are the instructions given to the Psalmist in 46:10. The Bible
is filled with references to meditation, to contemplating
the deeper things of life, to getting away from the racket
of the world so that we can center down and hear the voice
of God.

Quite
apart from the ancient biblical commands, modern medicine
tells us that meditation can have a beneficial effect on our
minds and bodies. It has been proven to slow pulse and respiration,
lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Following surgery
it can lessen pain, minimize blood loss and accelerate healing.

So why
don't we all meditate regularly? Because it takes time and
discipline, and we tell ourselves we are too busy to spare
the few moments it requires. But that very argument is the
best reason to do it: the moments we spend in the presence
of God make us more efficient for everything else that we
do.

Meditation
is the other side of prayer. In prayer we talk to God; in
meditation we listen for God's answers. It's that simple.

If we
had an earthly friendship in which we did all the talking
and the other person was forced to do nothing but listen,
it is doubtful that the relationship would involve any real
intimacy. God wants to talk to us even more than we want to
talk to God. Our decision about whether or not to meditate
regularly depends on the depth of our desire to have an intimate
relationship with God.

Meditation
can produce amazing results. We would like to include here
some of the meditation experiences which our visitors might
want to submit.